From the peaks of the Austrian Alps to the elegant streets of Vienna, Austria is an unimaginable vacation spot to find in Central Europe, and this information to the very best locations to go to in Austria is right here to indicate you why.
Why Go to Austria
A landlocked nation with many hidden gems for the curious traveler, Austria has one thing for everybody, from historical past buffs to nature lovers. Among the greatest locations to go to in Austria are steeped in historical past and tradition whereas others are famend for his or her unfathomable pure magnificence.
The Habsburg Empire dominated present-day Austria from the late thirteenth century by way of the early twentieth century, with holdings that encompassed not simply Austria, but additionally a lot of present-day Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, and extra.
The Habsburg Empire dominated from Vienna, leading to a grand imperial metropolis that’s nonetheless among the many most lovely on this planet. Vienna is called an incredible metropolis of the humanities, and it’s the cultural powerhouse of Central Europe.
Except for Vienna, one other nice vacation spot in Austria is Salzburg, which is situated within the western a part of the nation. This charming historic metropolis is legendary for being the birthplace of Mozart. Additional west is Innsbruck, a well-liked vacation spot for winter sports activities within the coronary heart of the Alps.
If you happen to’re searching for outside adventures in Austria, you’ll haven’t any scarcity of actions to select from. You possibly can take pleasure in snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter, or mountain climbing, mountain biking, and mountain climbing within the hotter summer season months.
Austria can also be recognized for its scrumptious delicacies. Hearty dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, stuffed dumplings, and pretzels are all basic mainstays in Austrian delicacies.
You can also’t go to Austria with out attempting a number of the nation’s well-known desserts like Sachertorte, a wealthy chocolate sponge cake, and Apfelstrudel, a candy apple strudel. Each are among the many greatest desserts to attempt in Vienna or elsewhere in Austria.
As a result of its central location, you may also simply mix a visit to Austria with visits to close by nations together with Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
However for now, let’s concentrate on the very best locations to go to in Austria.
7 Finest Locations To Go to in Austria
1. Vienna
On the banks of the Danube River, Austria’s capital metropolis Vienna is a must-visit vacation spot on any Austrian itinerary. This metropolis of over two million folks is a vibrant cultural hotspot with lots to supply.
Vienna often ranks as probably the most livable cities on this planet, because of its security and stability, glorious infrastructure and transportation, low crime price, environmental sustainability, tradition, and extra.
Identified for its lovely palaces, world-class museums, espresso home tradition, and festive Christmas markets, Vienna shouldn’t be solely an incredible metropolis to reside in, although. It’s additionally among the best locations to go to in Austria.
Prime Sights in Vienna
Vienna is house to a number of imperial palaces, together with Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace. Grand Hofburg Palace within the historic middle of the town was the principal palace of the Habsburg dynasty, whereas the idyllic Schönbrunn Palace on the outskirts of Vienna was the longtime summer season residence for Habsburg rulers.
The palaces are open to vacationers right this moment, and it’s value visiting each of them when you’re fascinated by studying extra concerning the historical past of the Habsburg Empire in Austria.
Belvedere Palace is one other must-visit attraction in Vienna. This historic Baroque palace has been reworked right into a world-class artwork museum, that includes iconic works from Austrian artists like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.
There are much more nice museums to find in Vienna within the MuseumsQuartier, an space encompassing dozens of cultural establishments, reminiscent of the distinguished Kunsthistorisches Museum that narrates the historical past of artwork by way of invaluable artworks.
You need to positively spend a while strolling across the Innere Stadt of Vienna, the oldest and most historic a part of the town, with a number of pedestrianized streets lined with outlets, galleries, and eating places.
One of the spectacular constructions within the Innere Stadt is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a medieval church with an ornate glazed tile roof.
Different high issues to do in Vienna embody catching a efficiency on the Vienna State Opera, attempting Sachertorte on the historic Café Sacher the place it originated, or taking a spin on the world’s oldest Ferris wheel within the Prater, a big public park in Vienna.
2. Salzburg
One more of the very best locations to go to in Austria is Salzburg. Baroque magnificence meets alpine surroundings on this smaller historic metropolis alongside the Salzach River that’s typically thought of probably the most lovely place in Austria.
Positioned slightly below two and a half hours from Vienna by practice, Salzburg is a superb place to go to in Austria. Identified for being the birthplace of Mozart, this musical metropolis was additionally a filming location for The Sound of Music.
Prime Sights in Salzburg
Salzburg’s Altstadt, or Previous City, is house to a number of of the town’s hottest sights. One in all these is Hohensalzburg Fortress, a hilltop fortress relationship again to medieval occasions.
Touring the fortress is a superb solution to study extra about Salzburg’s historical past, and you may also take pleasure in sweeping views over the town and its environment.
In your means again down from the fortress on the hill, you’ll want to cease on the Salzburg Cathedral, a powerful Baroque church housing many treasures.
You can even go to Mozart’s birthplace at No. 9 Getreidegasse. This historic townhouse is the place the well-known composer was born in 1756, and the place he lived as a younger boy. It has now been was a museum concerning the life and work of the nice composer.
Close by throughout the river, you may also tour the Tanzmeisterhaus, a residence the place the Mozart household lived afterward.
Mirabell Palace and its gardens are one other main attraction in Salzburg. You may acknowledge the gardens as a filming location from The Sound of Music. A preferred exercise right here is having fun with a classical music live performance within the historic rooms of the palace.
If you happen to’re visiting Salzburg in the summertime months, don’t miss the Salzburg Competition, a celebration of music honoring the best composers of the final centuries.
3. Hallstatt
Typically described as a fairytale village, Hallstatt is a vacation spot that appears prefer it was lifted straight from a postcard. This charming lakeside village is situated in a mountainous area within the state of Higher Austria, about one hour and fifteen minutes from Salzburg by automobile.
This picturesque village within the coronary heart of Austria was named a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1997 because of its excellent pure magnificence and cultural heritage.
Though it’s a well-liked day journey vacation spot from Salzburg, spending an evening or two in Hallstatt will permit you to actually discover the encircling space and luxuriate in a good looking getaway in nature.
Prime Sights in Hallstatt
Being such a small village, you’ll be able to discover everything of Hallstatt on foot in an hour or two. The city is made up of quaint pedestrian streets lined with colourful gingerbread-like homes alongside the shores of picturesque Lake Hallstatt.
That is the right place to decelerate and luxuriate in a meal at one of many conventional eating places on the town, a few of which provide idyllic waterfront views.
A preferred attraction for many who aren’t afraid of heights is the Hallstatt Skywalk, a wide ranging remark deck providing 360-degree views of the lake and the encircling mountains, perched about 1,150 ft above the city.
You may get to the Hallstatt Skywalk both by mountain climbing for about one hour or by taking the funicular, which offers scenic views and is an attraction in itself.
One other attention-grabbing place to go to close by is the Hallstatt Salzwelten, an outdated salt mine. You can even get right here by mountain climbing or using the funicular. This salt mine is the oldest on this planet, with a legacy relationship again greater than 7,000 years. Taking a tour of the salt mine affords a singular perception into the salt mining historical past of Hallstatt.
4. Innsbruck
Transferring additional west, Innsbruck is an Austrian metropolis within the mountainous Tyrol area. This famend winter wonderland within the coronary heart of the Alps is lower than two hours by practice from Salzburg. The capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck was a two-time host of the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976.
The town blends basic imperial structure with trendy design. It’s recognized for winter sports activities like snowboarding and snowboarding, nevertheless it’s additionally a incredible vacation spot for the summer season season. Through the hotter months, you’ll be able to take pleasure in mountain climbing, biking, and mountaineering within the Alps.
Prime Sights in Innsbruck
We’ve already coated that Innsbruck is a superb base for outside adventures any time of the yr, and no matter climate situations. However what else is there to do within the metropolis past outside actions?
The Schloss Ambras is a Renaissance palace in Innsbruck that now homes a museum with a group of artwork and artifacts. Hofburg Innsbruck is a Sixteenth-century imperial Habsburg palace that can also be value a go to.
You possibly can simply spend a number of hours wandering the historic streets of Innsbruck’s Previous City, which is full of distinctive outlets and eating places serving Tyrolean delicacies.
If you wish to get a birds-eye view of the town and the encircling mountains, take a journey on the scenic Nordketten Cable Automobile. Simply outdoors the town, you’ll be able to go to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, an attraction highlighting the great thing about Swarovski glass, which comes from this a part of Austria.
For extra adrenaline-pumping actions, you’ll be able to attempt paragliding, skydiving, ziplining, and alpine coasters in and round Innsbruck.
5. Graz
You probably have extra time to spend on this lovely nation, Graz is one other metropolis that’s value including to your itinerary. Though it’s the second largest metropolis in Austria after Vienna, Graz stays one thing of an underrated gem in the case of tourism.
Positioned within the southern area of Styria, Graz is 2 and a half hours by practice from Vienna. The historic middle and well-preserved Previous City of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, whereas the remainder of the town is infused with a contemporary, inventive vitality.
Prime Sights in Graz
One of many icons of Graz is the Schlossberg, a hilltop park that’s house to a historic fortress. The views from the highest of the Schlossberg are gorgeous, and you’ll attain it by funicular, elevator, or on foot – however be ready to climb 260 stairs!
Down under, the enticing Previous City of Graz is value exploring. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings supply a distinction to the trendy structure throughout the river.
One other notable place to go to in Graz is the Kunsthaus Graz, a up to date artwork museum with a hanging design. Close by, the Murinsel Graz is a singular metal island of types in the course of the river, functioning as a bridge, but additionally providing a café and cultural area for performances.
On the outskirts of the town, among the best issues to see is Schloss Eggenberg, a good looking Baroque palace that’s thought of to be an important imperial palace within the Styria area.
6. Kufstein
Transferring again to the Tyrol area of Austria, Kufstein is among the greatest locations to go to in Austria if you wish to take pleasure in breathtaking pure magnificence, historical past, and tradition.
This city is situated between Salzburg and Innsbruck, proper alongside the border with Germany. Though you’ll be able to go to Kufstein on a day journey from both of those cities, it’s additionally the perfect place to decelerate for an in a single day or weekend journey.
Prime Sights in Kufstein
The spotlight of Kufstein is Kufstein Fortress, a historic hilltop fortification relationship again to the thirteenth century. The views from the fortress are spectacular, and you’ll attain it by a steep hike or a extra enjoyable funicular journey.
Again down within the city middle, you’ll be able to discover the centuries-old cobblestone streets of Kufstein, which date again to medieval occasions. There are many charming conventional eating places within the Previous City the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in hearty Tyrolean delicacies.
For extra scenic views, you’ll be able to head to the Kaiserlift Kufstein, a vacationer cable automobile that takes you excessive up into the mountains.
For hikers, the Kaisertal is a picturesque valley close to Kufstein providing many strolling trails. Throughout the Kaisertal, probably the most well-liked hikes results in Tischofer Cave, a big cave trying over the forest that was used as a weapons cache throughout the Napoleonic Wars.
7. Wachau Valley
The Wachau Valley is a picture-perfect area alongside the Danube River recognized for its rolling hills, vineyards, fruit orchards, quaint villages, and historic monasteries.
Whether or not you’re fascinated by wine tasting, exploring gorgeous monasteries, or cruising down the Danube River, the Wachau Valley is the right vacation spot for leisurely exploration.
You possibly can entry this area within the state of Decrease Austria on a day journey from Vienna when you’re brief on time, however you may also simply spend a number of days discovering this charming valley.
Among the high cities within the Wachau Valley that you just shouldn’t skip embody Melk, Durnstein, and Krems, that are all situated inside a 25-mile stretch alongside the Danube River.
Melk
Melk is among the most lovely cities within the Wachau Valley. Positioned alongside the Danube River, this pretty city is most well-known for Melk Abbey.
Though the monastery is the principle attract Melk, the city itself is a stunning place to wander, with colourful homes, eating places, and outlets.
Prime Sights in Melk
Melk Abbey is a Benedictine monastery perched on a rocky outcrop above the city, overlooking the Danube River. Though the monastery dates again to the eleventh century, the present Baroque construction was constructed within the early 18th century.
This magnificent monastery is among the best examples of Baroque structure in Europe, and guests can tour the opulent interiors, together with the abbey church and a surprising library with greater than 100,00 books.
Durnstein
Durnstein is one other picturesque riverfront city within the Wachau Valley. It’s well-known for its vineyards, which produce grapes of the Riesling selection.
The city can also be recognized for its connection to Richard the Lionheart. The well-known English king was imprisoned in Durnstein Citadel in 1192 after being captured in close by Vienna.
Prime Sights in Durnstein
In the present day, one of many high sights in Durnstein is Durnstein Abbey, which dates again to the 14th century. Though not as grand as Melk Abbey, this monastery continues to be value a go to because of its hanging pale blue church.
You can even go to the ruins of Durnstein Citadel, excessive up on a hill above the city, the place Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned centuries in the past and held for ransom.
After touring the monastery and the fortress ruins, you’ll be able to calm down at one of many native wineries in Durnstein, the place you’ll be able to pattern the white wines the city is thought for.
Krems
One other vacation spot within the Wachau Valley that you just shouldn’t miss is Krems. This bigger city is only a fifteen-minute drive from Durnstein, so you’ll be able to simply go to each on the identical day.
Like many different close by cities within the Wachau Valley, Krems can also be house to a historic monastery, in addition to a number of vineyards and wineries.
Prime Sights in Krems
The most important attraction in Krems is the sprawling Gottweig Abbey, a Benedictine monastery constructed on a hilltop surrounded by forests and vineyards. The monastery dates again almost 1,000 years, however the present construction was constructed within the Baroque type within the early 18th century.
On a tour of Gottweig Abbey, you’ll be able to marvel on the magnificent interiors of the monastery and take within the spectacular views of the encircling countryside.
Within the city of Krems, there are many eating places and cafés the place you’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat, or you’ll be able to take a look at artwork museums just like the Kunsthalle Krems and the Karikaturmuseum.
Discover Austria With JayWay Journey
If you happen to’re keen to find the very best of Austria, our skilled journey planners got here up with this Grand Tour of Austria, an interesting itinerary that features stops in virtually all the greatest locations to go to in Austria talked about on this article.
Alternatively, you might go for a journey throughout Austria and Germany’s hidden gems or a quest to unveil the magic of the Alps in Austria and Switzerland. Regardless of your journey type and preferences, you’re in the very best arms with JayWay when you’re searching for a stress-free journey expertise.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s enthusiastic about journey and storytelling, a mix that makes her preferrred for her position as our content material supervisor.